This episode of Socially Democratic discusses the UK local, Scottish, and Welsh election results, and what Labour's historic collapse means for social democracy. Reform UK surged across England, Scotland, and Wales. Labour lost its 115-year dominance in Wales. And inside the Parliamentary Labour Party, calls for Keir Starmer to stand down are growing louder. Host Stephen Donnelly is joined by two insiders who know British Labour politics intimately: 🏴 John McTernan, former senior ad...
May 21, 2026•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 352
This episode of Socially Democratic discusses the 2026 Federal Budget — Jim Chalmers' most ambitious yet — with Emma Dawson, Executive Director of the Chifley Research Centre, and economist Adam Triggs, Partner at Mandala. Is this really the most significant tax reform package in a quarter of a century? Stephen, Emma, and Adam think so. Here's why. 💰 Negative gearing reform and capital gains tax — what's actually changing, who it targets, and why the grandfathering provisions matter more than t...
May 14, 2026•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 351
In this topical, fully-loaded episode of Socially Democratic , Stephen, Todd, and Lissie convene to answer our most pressing Mailbag questions - and add a few thoughts of their own. Our listeners asked: 🏡 If the Treasury scraps or reduces negative gearing and capital gains tax benefits in the next federal budget - will it actually help younger generations? 🤑In focusing almost exclusively on concrete gains like worker protections and cost-of-living relief, is the ALP missing an opportunity to s...
May 07, 2026•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 350
This episode of Socially Democratic brings Stephen, David, and Jessie back together to discuss Labor news and politics over the past month - and envision what’s to come. They cover: 💰The May Federal Budget announcement: What sort of scenarios must be planned for with the ongoing fuel crisis? Which potential cost-of-living reforms are likely to unfold, and how should the government communicate those decisions to the Australian public? ⚖️ The High Court Decision on Election Donations: How this de...
Apr 30, 2026•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 349
How did the well-oiled machine that built the historic Obama campaign in 2008 fail so catastrophically in 2024? -- This week on Socially Democratic, Stephen speaks with Josh Cook and Greta Carnes about their report ‘The Future of Democratic Organizing’. Greta is a political campaigner and researcher, while Josh is an expert in digital strategy and engagement. Both are U.S.-based ‘Obama for America’ alums with over a decade of experience in national campaigns. We ask: 🤝 What is “relational organ...
Apr 23, 2026•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 348
This week on Socially Democratic, Stephen speaks with John Armitage, one of the most respected social researchers and communication strategists on the Australian left. As recent polls have shown, the political landscape in Australia is rapidly shifting. So what's next? Where to now for the Labor Party, the Liberal Party and One Nation? They cover: 🔴 How should State Labor and the ALP position themselves if they want to continue being seen as the natural party of government? 🔵 What will become ...
Apr 16, 2026•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 347
Todd Pinkerton, Campaign Director for Unions NSW, and Lissie Ratcliff, Managing Partner at FMRS Advisory and fmr Chief of Staff to Premier Daniel Andrews, are back this month to answer your burning mailbag questions. This episode of Socially Democratic discusses: 📺Prime Minister Albanese’s National Address. What did he do right, and how could he have used that time to bring the nation together in a time of crisis? ⛽Despite the ceasefire, the war in Iran and the resulting fuel crisis aren’t goin...
Apr 09, 2026•50 min•Ep. 346
Happy long weekend, Social Democrats! In this episode of Socially Democratic, Stephen sits down with economist Adam Triggs, a Partner at Mandala and Non-Resident Fellow at The Brookings Institution and ANU. They discuss the issues that are top-of-mind for many Australians, including: ⛽The Fuel Crisis - How does the war in Iran impact things like GDP, inflation, and unemployment? What can we do to reduce the demand for oil in Australia? 😫Inflation - Why the Reserve Bank of Australia should not b...
Apr 02, 2026•48 min•Ep. 345
This week on Australia's favourite Labor politics and campaigns podcast: 🎉 Congratulations to Premier Peter Malinauskas, the entire SA Labor campaign, and the people of South Australia! 🧩 Matt, Hannah, and Stephen analyse the party's historic win, seat by seat. 📈 Plus, we look at the benefits of winning with such a large margin, particularly with regard to campaign funding and the "freedom to lead". ⚠️ But - One Nation has a strong showing, even winning a seat in the lower house. How can Labo...
Mar 27, 2026•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 344
In this episode of Socially Democratic: 📊 Another landslide Labor victory in South Australia for Peter Malinauskas. What can the rest of us learn from it? 🗞️ Rumours of a leadership challenge in Victoria. The news in Victoria is rife with speculation on the future of the Allan government. Jessie, David, and Stephen break it down. ⚠️ The fragmentation on the right and the rise of One Nation is not a one-off. What can Victorian Labor do to shore up their base in the 2026 election? 🔥 Plus, a rob...
Mar 25, 2026•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 343
It's time for the annual Socially Democratic mic handover! This episode features the return of our favourite stand-in host, Rebecca Thistleton (Executive Director Victoria, The McKell Institute) along with special guests Melissa Donnelly (National Secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union), and Benita Kolovos (Victorian State Correspondent, Guardian Australia). Together they unpack: 📢 The highs and lows of this year's International Women’s Day: a day which advances meaningful conversat...
Mar 23, 2026•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 342
In this episode of Socially Democratic: 📉 Are the Liberals about to finish THIRD? They remain stuck below 20% primary vote, with One Nation moving into second place. 📊 New polling shows Labor holding a commanding lead, but are the figures even underselling it? 🧨 Ashton Hurn stumbles on a net zero question in the Leaders debate. But does this matter to voters? 🗳️ Plus, we break down the key seats to watch on election night. Socially Democratic is a Labor politics and campaigns podcast with ex...
Mar 20, 2026•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 341
In this episode of Socially Democratic: 🫥 How will the Liberals respond to the findings of their 2025 Election Review? Or will they just hide it in a drawer? 💸 If we address the housing crisis by favouring owner-occupiers over investors, where will that investment money go? Does Australia have other attractive assets to keep that money in the lucky country? 🌴 The ACTU is campaigning for 5 week annual leave for all workers, nationwide. Do they stand a chance? Plus, we ask: which work perk woul...
Mar 19, 2026•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 340
In this episode of Socially Democratic: 🍎 Labor Premier Peter Malinauskas announces a policy of 150 minutes per week of ‘Active Learning’ for school aged children, plus free school camp and an expansion of sports vouchers. 🧩 South Australia Liberals struggle to get airtime and squander their opportunities with scattered policy announcements. Plus, how is Ashton Hurn’s leadership holding up? 🚑 A man’s tragic death brings renewed attention to the problem of long waits during ambulance ramping. ...
Mar 12, 2026•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 339
Hey Social Democrats. We are back with our first of the 4-part series on the South Australia state elections. Stephen Donnelly, along with special guests Hannah MacLeod and Matt Clemow, analyse the state of the race, including: ✅ Peter Malinauskas's record as Premier, ✅ Political messaging from the major parties, ✅ The three cornered contests between independents, One Nation, and the Liberals in the crucial regional seats. ✅ The new campaign finance laws that are shaking up the election, ✅ and h...
Mar 05, 2026•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 338
Hey Social Democrats. It's that time again! 📊 February brought fresh polling, a Liberal leadership shake-up, and renewed questions about where the conservative movement goes next. With the opposition searching for economic credibility and flirting once again with culture-war politics, what does the path back to government actually look like for the Liberal Party of Australia? 🏗️ We also unpack the CFMEU controversy — including the media’s rush to amplify a back-of-the-envelope $15 billion figu...
Mar 03, 2026•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 337
This week on Socially Democratic, Stephen is joined by policy expert and Executive Director of the Chifley Research Centre, Emma Dawson. Emma joins the show to talk about what Labor's clear majority actually means, what they can still achieve in their second term, and whether this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for structural reform. Emma brings her wealth of knowledge to the vital questions of 2026, including: 📈 Can we ease the cost-of-living crisis without spiking inflation? 🤏 What is...
Feb 19, 2026•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 336
"Politics is about choices—who do you stand with and for, and who are you against?" ⭐ The debate over the capital gains tax discount is here to stay. Many Gen Z's and Millennials are fully aware that they will be unable to afford a home without major tax reform - and that's only the start. But with older and asset-rich Australians benefiting heavily from the CGT discount, is it too politically dangerous to give it the axe? 🧨 Plus - the Epstein files have recently poured fuel on the dumpster fir...
Feb 12, 2026•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 335
Hey Social Democrats, Happy 'Feeney Files with Jessie McCrone' Day! 🧐 One Nation leads the Coalition in the polls, and even the recent acquisition of Barnaby Joyce can't fully explain it... 🤪 ... sending the Coalition into internal tatters days later. 🔥 So gather 'round the campfire while we roast the Tories. ...plus, the Royal Commission into Antisemitism, the South Australian Election, a look at the nation's political media AND the usual category nominations. #RoyalCommission #Spill #Coalit...
Feb 05, 2026•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 334
Note: This month’s Feeney Files with Jessie McCrone will come out next week, due to a scheduling conflict (a.k.a Stephen's globetrotting). But not to worry, we have an equally formidable guest for you this week. John Mcternan is back! He shares his expert analysis of UK politics and the health of social democracies around the world. Mcternan formerly served as the Director of Political Operations for Tony Blair from 2005-2007 and the Director of Communications for Julia Gillard from 2011-2013. I...
Jan 29, 2026•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 333
This week, regular guests Lissie and Todd answer listener questions from Patreon: ⭐ What has the Federal Labor Government done well? Our pro-Labor bonafides are called into question! 💪 Is the Victorian Government in good shape for this election year? 🥊 What 'inevitable tensions' arise between the Labor government and the unions - and why is it so much trickier to bargain when you're on the same side? 🤳 Can unions do more to engage content creators in their campaigns? Do you have a question fo...
Jan 22, 2026•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 332
Hey Social Democrats. Welcome to a new season of Socially Democratic. Mass protests in Iran are entering their third week. Go behind the headlines with Iranian-American entrepreneur Zahra Amanpour . Born during the Iranian revolution of 1979 and hailing from a family of anti-authoritarian activists, Zahra is a fierce advocate for democracy, human rights, and gender equality, particularly in her home country. Drawing on her strong connection to the Iranian Resistance movement, she shares insights...
Jan 15, 2026•47 min•Ep. 331
Happy New Year Social Democrats! This week, Stephen and resident pop culture expert Tess Farrell discuss the Netflix political thriller, 'The Diplomat'. Stay tuned for some non-political recommendations for what to watch and read in 2026. Mentioned in the show: 'The Diplomat' starring Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell, created by Deborah Cahn. 'Always' by Bon Jovi https://tr.ee/6FZwx1 #podcast #popculture #politics #TheDiplomat #KeriRussell #RufusSewell #AllisonJanney Support the show Socially Democ...
Dec 31, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 330
Another year in The Garden State has come to an end. In keeping with tradition, Minister Harriet Shing is here to help us review the past 12 months. 💜Drawing from her own family’s experiences, Harriet brings warmth and clarity to the fight against hate speech, and stresses the need to create a society where all people are safe in their identities. Plus: 🛣️Victoria’s massive year of road and rail - how has life changed for commuters, and what’s still to come? ✍🏽The First Nations Treaty - what ...
Dec 26, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 329
Socially Democratic is an opinion-based political and campaign podcast that facilitates discussion on a range of topical issues. The opinions of guests are not an endorsement and do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff at Dunn Street and Socially Democratic. -- After the horrific events at Bondi Beach, it’s time for the Left to reflect. How can we be better allies to the Jewish community and fight anti-Semitism? First Stephen, Jessie, and David break down the event, including the res...
Dec 18, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 328
Viktor Orbán, Hungary Netherlands, the PVV Sanae Takaichi, Japan and the LDP Canada is quoting Reagan UK Labour’s badly shaken Germany. AFD. What’s wrong with democracy? We didn’t start the fire, But Katie’s here, she’s going to make it clear We didn’t start the fire, But our episode will help you carry the load Romania - a little win Proto-fascists back again U.S. shut down, long delays But Trump sends money to Milei We didn’t start the fire. But we’ve got Parsons, And we know it’s arson. We di...
Dec 11, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 327
Sean Kelly started with a basic question: What does Labor believe? Drawing on his experience as a former press secretary for both Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard, and over a decade covering politics, he pursues the question through the lens of our not so-distant-past - from the Cold War to Whitlam, from Hawke and Keating to Rudd and Gillard. The result is a brilliant essay which reflects on the struggles, feats and failures of the current Albanese government - placing it within the broader struggle...
Dec 04, 2025•56 min•Ep. 325
Seven months post-election, Federal Labor is still going strong, while the Liberals seem hopelessly mired in conflict. 🤔 Sussan Ley’s decision to dump net zero targets aren’t doing them any favours with suburban voters. And, Labor is polling better than the Libs in 9 out of 10 policy areas, including the economy. 💅 But is the ALP getting too comfortable? 🥁At a state level, the new Victorian Liberal leader Jess Wilson is getting a lot of fanfare. Is she the great Millennial hope that the Torie...
Nov 27, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 325
This week, Lissie Ratcliff and Todd Pinkerton are back to answer more questions from Patreon. If you’re not a Patreon member, not to worry - this episode is for everyone. In this conversation: ❓With flagging party membership across both the Liberals and the ALP, we ask: do these numbers really matter? 🤔What are the greatest threats and opportunities for the Victorian Labor Party in the 2026 State Election? 👉Victorian Liberals rolled their leader Brad Batten and elected Jess Wilson. Does she ha...
Nov 20, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 324
"You wouldn't know the half of it." 🍔 What happens when McDonald's - a corporate behemoth so vast, so rich, so omnipresent that its logo is synonymous with globalisation and capitalism - is asked to compensate hourly workers for unpaid wages? It screams. That's where the SDA (Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association) - the union for fast food workers steps in. For years, they have been pursuing dozens of lawsuits against the fast food titan for a number of abuses, including: ❌ Asking...
Nov 12, 2025•57 min•Ep. 323
